Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wildlife Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge tree planting and propose managed deer hunt as part of Abolition Hall stewardship
Summary
During public comment, speakers urged using up to 25% of annual Open Space tax revenue for tree replacement and proposed a managed deer hunt to address an allegedly large, malnourished deer herd; committee members discussed prior hunts, safety protocols and possible coordination with neighboring landowners.
In the public‑comment portion of the Sept. 8 meeting, Debra Harris recommended using Open Space funds for tree planting and said, “you can spend 25% of annual Open Space tax revenue on open space properties,” adding that tree planting should be part of future improvements.
Debra also proposed a managed deer hunt on township property to reduce a perceived overpopulation and address allegedly malnourished deer. “Their deer have gotten to a point that it is obvious they're hungry and malnourished,” she said. Committee members and other speakers discussed prior managed hunts—described as organized, insured, and conducted with safety protocols—and possible collaboration with local organizations and property owners. Craig said the township has worked with an organized group in the past and that neighboring property owners had been contacted.
Some participants opposed holding a hunt at Abolition Hall specifically, arguing the property is still a largely wild area and that not all residents support such an action. The committee agreed to table the deer discussion for further consideration and to explore options and coordination with other landowners and experienced groups.
Next steps: committee to consider deer‑management options, learn from prior programs used in nearby properties, and possibly make a recommendation at a future meeting.
